Central Schemes & Programs

National 45-day certificate course enabling engineering & science students to apply Design Thinking, empathy mapping, MVP prototyping, Lean Startup frameworks, and pitch decks for DPIIT recognition.

• 3 Academic Credits (Recommended by NCIE Framework)
• Covers 5 Core Modules: Innovation Ecosystem, Design Thinking Sprints, Prototype Development, Lean Startup BMC, and Startup Launch
• Hands-on practical components: Customer Interviews, Wireframing, MVP Building, and Investor Pitch Deck
• Comprehensive evaluation: Attendance (10%), Assignments (20%), Practical Activities (20%), Prototype (20%), Demo Day Pitch (30%)

Advanced 45-day course focusing on commercializing AI/ML, IoT, Robotics, Cyber Security, Digital Twins, and branch-specific smart applications for CSE, ECE, Mechanical, EEE, Civil, and H&S streams.

• Branch-Specific Smart Tech Modules (AI, Embedded Systems, Smart Manufacturing, Smart Grids, Digital Infrastructure)
• Hands-on CAD modeling, simulation tools, AI tools, and product ideation workshops
• Go-to-Market strategies, product-market fit validation, and Start-up India Portal integration
• Capstone laboratory projects evaluated by national mentors and industry experts

Specialized 45-day curriculum guiding student innovators from lab research to market commercialization through Technology Readiness Levels (TRL), IPR protection, and venture capital fundraising.

• Comprehensive IPR Coverage: Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks, Industrial Design, and Tech Transfer Licensing
• Business Model Innovation: Lean Canvas, Platform Business Models, and Subscription Revenue Architectures
• Startup Finance & Fundraising: Angel Investment, Venture Capital, CSR Funding, and Financial Projections
• Experiential Learning: Patent Search, Market Research, Financial Planning, and Investor Pitch Competition

An introductory course tailored for first-year polytechnic students to cover the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, creative design thinking, lean business planning, and initial startup registrations.

• Aligned with national objectives of Viksit Bharat 2047 & Atmanirbhar Bharat
• Introduction to design thinking sprints and startup feasibility analytics
• Understanding forms of business organization, MSME, and Startup India benefits
• Grade allocation: Attendance (10%), Assignments (20%), Practical (20%), Prototype (20%), Pitch (30%)

An intermediate curriculum focusing on engineering design principles, customer validation, sustainable business plans, and technological product establishment for second-year polytechnic streams.

• Develops opportunity identification skills through advanced design thinking
• Guides students to formulate comprehensive business plans and cost estimations
• Covers risk assessment, digital marketing, and investor readiness
• Direct pathway to national pre-incubation cells and labs

An advanced third-year course outlining technology commercialization methods, business model creation, resource management, risk management, and pitching to investors.

• Focuses on technology transfer, legal compliance, and venture establishment
• IPR protection, patents, and trademarks management in startups
• Provides hands-on business modeling and startup scaling scenarios
• Fosters leadership and entrepreneurial communication for final pitch decks

A structured national leadership framework established across 10 core sectors, ensuring that every undergraduate student in India gains real-time industry exposure and skill-based learning opportunities.

• Real-time industry exposure and hands-on skill development
• Covers 10 core sectors (Engineering, Research, Finance, Agriculture, Healthcare, IT & AI, etc.)
• Paid, structured, and practical learning experiences to make students industry-ready

Advanced learning opportunities for selected student research scholars to work closely with national experts, serial innovators, and mentors on social impact and technology development projects.

• Mentorship and direct guidance from industry and research experts
• Focus on solving critical social impact and technical problems
• Exposure to advanced laboratory and rapid prototyping ecosystems

Annual merit-based and need-based scholarships provided to talented students from diverse and marginalized backgrounds, ensuring equal access to innovation and quality education opportunities.

• Ensures accessibility and equal opportunities for students of all backgrounds
• Financial assistance to support educational and project expenses
• Pre-qualification for national-level innovation bootcamps

Selected student entrepreneurs receive direct financial support to develop and execute their startup ideas, helping them transition smoothly from concept to execution and validation.

• Equity-free financial support for raw material and tooling purchases
• Mentoring support to validate early proofs of concept (POC)
• Direct pathway to national pre-incubation cells and labs

A structured seed funding program offering up to ₹5,00,000 per student startup without requiring student equity or ownership dilution. This ensures young innovators can focus on building their ventures without financial pressure.

• Equity-free seed funding of up to ₹5 Lakhs per startup
• Released in five structured stages based on progress and performance
• Dedicated entrepreneurship support including legal, business setup, and IP filing guidance

Selected and recognized educational institutions are provided with dedicated funding support strictly allocated for building incubation centers, innovation labs, and entrepreneurship infrastructure.

• Financial grants up to ₹50 Lakhs for setup and tooling
• Strict allocation for rapid prototyping labs, makerspaces, and incubation offices
• Integrates campus innovators into a unified regional incubation network

Innovation India facilitates CSR partnerships for reputed institutions and organizations to promote innovation ecosystems in rural and semi-urban areas, fostering local student startups and capacity building.

• Direct connection with corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds
• Empowerment of tier-2 and tier-3 colleges with funding and mentorship
• Strengthening of localized grassroots ecosystems to solve regional challenges

Institutions and organizations contributing significantly to innovation, entrepreneurship, and student development are formally recognized under the Innovation India Recognition Framework to encourage excellence.

• Formal national recognition and star accreditation under the framework
• Benchmark metrics to improve student innovation output year-on-year
• Preferential eligibility for special infrastructure grants and pilot allocations

Institutions are supported in delivering free entrepreneurship education, skill development workshops, and startup training programs for students, ensuring accessibility to quality innovation learning for all.

• Access to structured entrepreneurship courses at no cost to students
• Practical workshops in design thinking, marketing, and business planning
• Direct mentorship from seasoned founders and incubation experts